Height/Weight: 6-6/224
| Birthdate: 01/01/1986
| Birthplace: Altadena, CA, USA
| Team: New York
| College: Cal Poly
| NFL Experience: 3
| Owned/Started%: 1/0
News: The Giants suffered a bad break when receiver Hakeem Nicks broke a bone in his foot during a late May OTA. That means Nicks won't be ready to even practice until mid-August, opening the door for receivers Rueben Randle, Ramses Barden and Domenik Hixon to see some extra reps with the first-team offense. Hixon is coming off of two ACL tears in as many years, while Barden has fought inconsistency since being drafted in 2009.
Analysis: We think Randle has the best chance to pick up extra practice reps and potentially take over some work from Nicks in the early portion of the season. Barden looks like an intriguing prospect but a slow start to his career makes him tough to trust. Hixon is even more injury prone than Nicks. Neither of the Giants' veteran receivers are worth drafting right now.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden was fairly productive in Week 12 against the Saints. Barden finished with a season-high three receptions for 38 yards in the 49-24 loss. He was targeted four times in the defeat and averaged 12.7 yards per reception.
Analysis: With Mario Manningham ruled inactive and Hakeem Nicks briefly leaving with a rib injury, Barden was forced into action on Monday night. He was able to take advantage of his limited playing time, turning in his most productive game of the season. However, both Nicks and Manningham are expected to be ready to play in Week 13, which won't leave a ton of snaps for Barden. Owners should leave the 25-year-old on the waiver wire at this point in the season.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden caught one pass for 13 yards in Week 11 against the Eagles. It was his only target in the 17-10 loss.
Analysis: Barden has caught just three passes in three games this season and has a long way to go before becoming relevant in Fantasy. Continue to ignore him in the majority of leagues until his role improves.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden made his season debut in Week 9 against the Patriots. He caught two passes for 24 yards in the 24-20 win. Barden was targeted five times by QB Eli Manning in the victory.
Analysis: Barden saw an improved role with Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) inactive on Sunday and should be involved in the offense going forward. But until he proves his worth on the field, continue to ignore the 25-year-old in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Giants activated receiver Ramses Barden (ankle, leg) off the PUP list for the Week 9 game at New England. The Giants ruled RB Ahmad Bradshaw and WR Hakeem Nicks out for the game, so they needed help on offense.
Analysis: The Giants getting Barden ready for Week 9 at New England is more for depth purposes with Nicks out. He will not replace Nicks in the starting lineup or replace his production. Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham are expected to help make up for Nicks' loss. Barden is simply around in case more guys get hurt. Leave him on Fantasy waivers until further notice.
News: Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) told coach Tom Coughlin that he's feeling better, but won't practice Wednesday. Coughlin calls Nicks' situation "day to day." On a related note, Coughlin says WR Ramses Barden (PUP, ankle) will be pushed "a little harder" in practice this week. The Giants have until the end of next week to activate Barden or put him on IR.
Analysis: The Giants getting Barden ready for Week 9 at New England is more for depth purposes in case Nicks is out. He will not replace Nicks in the starting lineup or replace his production. Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham would be expected to help make up for Nicks' loss. Barden would be around in case more guys got hurt. Leave him on Fantasy waivers until further notice.
News: Giants coach Tom Coughlin wouldn’t say if WR Ramses Barden (PUP, ankle) would be activated for Sunday against Miami, but he previously said Barden was mimicking Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall on the scout team, which suggests he’ll stay on PUP for now. “It will be some time in getting him to a point where he’s ready to go and compete,” Coughlin said.
Analysis: Barden was the Giants answer to losing Plaxico Burress, but injuries and inconsistency haven't allowed him to break out in the NFL. The Giants could use some help in the receiving corps, but as of now Barden would be merely just roster depth. Ignore him in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden, who has missed the first six games while on the PUP list with ankle and leg injuries, practiced Monday. The Giants now have three weeks to activate him or place him on season-ending IR.
Analysis: Barden was the Giants answer to losing Plaxico Burress, but injuries and inconsistency haven't allowed him to break out in the NFL. The Giants could use some help in the receiving corps, but as of now Barden would be merely just roster depth. Ignore him in Fantasy until further notice.
News: The Giants placed WR Ramses Barden (ankle) on the reserve/PUP list on Tuesday, meaning he will miss the first six weeks of the 2011 season.
Analysis: Barden's recovery from March ankle surgery is going slower than expected, so the Giants were forced to put him on the PUP list. Barden has been disappointing since the Giants drafted him in 2009. The team thought he could replace Plaxico Burress' presence since he is a 6-6 receiver, but he has hardly been a blip on the radar. Ignore Barden in all Fantasy formats until he proves healthy and productive.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden (ankle, leg) could not say when he's expected to come off the PUP list, reports the Giants' official site. Barden said he feels it is coming "soon," however. He had an MRI a few days back to check his progress. Barden said he could still begin the season on the PUP list. "I'm working so that's not the case. I hope to be back before then."
Analysis: Barden is looking to make more of an impact in his third year, but first he has to prove he can stay healthy. Through two years, Barden has just six catches for 80 yards and no touchdowns. Let Barden prove his worth before putting him on your Fantasy team, and ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: Multiple sources report that Giants WR Ramses Barden will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He is still rehabbing from an offseason leg injury suffered this spring.
Analysis: Barden is looking to make more of an impact in his third year, but first he has to prove he can stay healthy. Through two years, Barden has just six catches for 80 yards and no touchdowns. He could see an increased role if Steve Smith (knee) is out to start the season and the Giants not add another receiver, but Barden is already behind Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and likely Smith on the depth chart. Let Barden prove his worth before putting him on your Fantasy team, and ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden came out to players-only workouts last week in New Jersey but didn't participate in drills as he is still rehabbing from an offseason leg injury suffered this spring. Barded told the Newark Star-Ledger that he could have practiced if he needed to, but felt like there was no reason to rush.
Analysis: Barden is looking to make more of an impact in his third year, but first he has to prove he can stay healthy. Through two years, Barden has just six catches for 80 yards and no touchdowns. He could see an increased role if Steve Smith (knee) is out to start the season or doesn’t return as a free agent, but Barden is already behind Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and likely Smith on the depth chart. Let Barden prove his worth before putting him on your Fantasy team, and ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: According to ESPN.com, Giants GM Jerry Reese is hopeful third-year WR Ramses Barded improves in 2011. “Ramses Barden is another guy that we think that has a tremendous skill set that we want to come in and contribute to our team,” Reese said.
Analysis: Barden is looking to make more of an impact in his third year, and he’s hoping this can become his breakout season. Through two years, Barden has just six catches for 80 yards and no touchdowns. He could see an increased role if Steve Smith (knee) is out to start the season or doesn’t return as a free agent, but Barden is already behind Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and likely Smith. Let Barden prove his worth before putting him on your Fantasy team, and ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Giants WR Ramses Barden, who broke his ankle and suffered ligament damage in November, will undergo a procedure this week to “clean out his leg.” The report said Barden still has some swelling in the leg that must be rectified so he can heal properly. Asked about the situation during the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Jerry Reese classified it as a “procedure” that is “normal with the kind of injury he had. It’s nothing we’re alarmed about.” Barden’s rehab will now be paused for a bit, which shouldn’t be a problem because the current labor situation could force the cancellation of offseason workouts and minicamps. Still, the Giants want to make sure Barden recovers fully before the start of next season. “He’s talented,” Reese said. “We just have to get him in there and get him playing.”
Analysis: Barden could look to help the Giants if he's fully healthy with Steve Smith's rehab from knee surgery potentially expected to last early into the season or he could not return as a free agent. Either way, Barden will compete for a more prominent role on offense in 2011 if he's healthy. Keep an eye on what happens with Barden, but don't plan on drafting him in any leagues. If he starts out the season playing well then add him off the waiver wire.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden's ankle condition is improving after he was lost for the season with a ligament issue. "I can see veins going through my ankle for the 1st time in 2.5 months," Barden wrote on his Twitter account. "Range of motion is much better too."
Analysis: Barden is a big target for the G-men entering his third NFL season, but he hasn't had much playing time. There's sleeper potential here, especially if the Giants thin out their deep receiving corps this offseason. For now he's only worth drafting real late in dynasty/keeper leagues.
News: The Giants have placed WR Ramses Barden on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Barden looked to be in for some extra snaps with Steve Smith out for a little while, but how the only extra thing he'll be getting is rest. Barden is no longer worth owning in Fantasy play.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden has a "significant ligament issue in the ankle and does have a fracture as well," according to head coach Tom Coughlin. When asked if Barden will return this season, Coughlin said it's unlikely.
Analysis: Barden just landed some playing time in the offense with the injury to Steve Smith, so this news is quite unfortunate for the big receiver. He's no longer worth owning in Fantasy play.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden left Sunday's game against the Cowboys after he almost made a circus catch on a third-and-goal but wouldn't hold onto the ball and forcing New York to kick a field goal. A team spokesman did not specify the injury, but he appeared to be dealing with an ankle issue. Barden saw more playing time in Week 10 with Steve Smith out with an injury. Barden caught three passes for 34 yards. He was on crutches as he left locker room w/boot on left foot. "I guess we're calling it a sprain," Barden told the New York Daily News after the game. He thinks he'll be out one to two weeks.
Analysis: Barden hasn't done much this season as he's a way down the depth chart. If he's healthy for Week 11 and the Eagles, he'd have limited Fantasy value. He's a short-term option for Smith owners. Monitor him through the week and try to find a healthier alternative.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden will be utilized in WR Steve Smith ’s absence (pectoral injury) because he can play all three receiver positions, according to coach Tom Coughlin. Barden says QB Eli Manning makes it easier because “he does a great job of communicating what he sees on the field.”
Analysis: Barden, a second-year receiver out of Cal-Poly, hasn't done much of anything in his NFL career, but this could be a big week for him as the team's third receiver. With Smith out for a little while, if Barden steps up in a big way on Sunday he could be worth a look in deeper leagues as a short-term option.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden recording just his second catch of the season in Week 7 against the Cowboys. Barden had one reception for 22 yards in the 41-35 win. It was his only target of the game.
Analysis: Barden is buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. He hardly sees the field and can be ignored in all Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden hopes to return next week after being sidelined by a stress fracture in his lower back, according to the New York Daily News. “I’m trying to come back as soon as possible,” he said. “I’m an optimist, so of course I want to get back out there before the season starts to get the rhythm back and get that chemistry going again with the rest of the offense.” Barden expects to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. “I’m not worried,” he said. “The diagnosis is good. There’s no nerve damage, there’s no worries of nerve damage, as long as I take the proper precautions.”
Analysis: Barden was invisible during his rookie season, hauling in one reception for 16 yards in three games. Both he and the Giants were expecting bigger things in year two, but the team is stacked at WR, so he's got talented receivers ahead of him he'd have to leapfrog to see playing time in 2010. We don't see that happening, and view him as worthy of only a late-round pick in the deeper dynasty/keeper leagues.
News: The Bergen Record reports that Giants WR Ramses Barden has a fracture of the transverse process in his back and won't practice this week. The Newark Star-Ledger reports Barden will not require surgery, coach Tom Coughlin said. Coughlin is hoping Barden can return in a week. The issue is pain. "If he can handle the pain, he can go," Coughlin said.
Analysis: A third-round pick last year, Barden had just one catch for 16 yards in 2009. He might have a future in this game down the road, but for now he can continue to be ignored in Fantasy play, healthy or not.
News: The Giants have ruled out second-year WR Ramses Barden for their second preseason game vs. the Steelers. He's been dealing with a back injury. Barden caught two passes for 12 yards in his first preseason game against the Jets.
Analysis: Barden's had a good spring, so missing time will only hamper his chances of earning playing time this season. Because he's buried on the Giants' receivers depth chart, he's only worth a late-round pick in the deepest of dynasty/keeper leagues.
News: With the news that Giants WR Domenik Hixon will miss the 2010 season with a torn ACL, second-year receiver Ramses Barden looks like a candidate to earn more playing time as the fourth receiver on the team. Barden, a tall deep-ball receiver, has had a good camp and said earlier this offseason that he's making strides in understanding the game.
Analysis: Barden is an interesting player to watch, but his playing time will be limited so long as he's behind Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham on the depth chart. Thus, he shouldn't be considered a viable Fantasy option in standard formats just yet. He's worth a late-round pick in the deepest of dynasty/keeper leagues, though.
News: Giants second-year WR Ramses Barden is showing signs of development in minicamp, says the New York Daily News. Barden says the game is slowing down for him and as such he's not relying on his size and speed as much as he did a year earlier. Now he's thinking more instinctively and able to focus on the minute details without sweating the routes he's running. He's angling to earn some playing time this season. "What I can control is what I do on that practice field, and if that wasn't enough last year to earn me time on the field, that means I have to give it more this upcoming year," Barden said. "I need to prove to the people that are evaluating me that 'We can't keep this guy off the field.'"
Analysis: Barden had just one reception for 16 yards as a rookie in 2009, so it won't take much for him to improve as a sophomore. His biggest problem is finding playing time as the Giants have already penciled in Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham as their top receivers -- and tight end Kevin Boss will also be in the mix. Because Barden's playing time will be limited, he shouldn't be considered a viable Fantasy option in standard formats. He's worth a late-round pick in the deepest of dynasty/keeper leagues, though.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden hopes to play more this year by contributing on special teams. "Anywhere they feel I can be a threat," he said Thursday. "We did some tackling drills the other day, and that dummy didn't get back up off the ground."
Analysis: Barden had just one reception for 16 yards as a rookie in 2009. Barden has a chance to be a red-zone threat for the Giants this year, but it will be hard for him to find playing time with all the talent at WR for the Giants ahead of him on the depth chart with Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. Ignore Barden in the majority of leagues on Draft Day, but he could be worth a late-round pick in TD-only leagues if he finds enough playing time with a good training camp.
News: The New York Post reports Giants QB Eli Manning is expecting second-year WR Ramses Barden and second-year TE Travis Beckum to improve following quiet rookie seasons. "We need some of these young guys to step up and play well," Manning said. "They need to get in there, they're going to make mistakes still, but we need them to really have a big influence on this year." Beckum caught just eight passes for 55 yards in 2009, while Barden had just one reception for 16 yards. If the two can get in gear and make any sort of impact in a passing game that already features Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks it will be a plethora of options for Manning. The QB sees Beckum as "having speed and a shifty guy, be able to stretch the field and do some things after the catch." As for Barden, Manning said he is "just that big receiver, whether you put him in the slot or outside, having a physical guy to catch the ball over the middle."
Analysis: Barden has a chance to be a red-zone threat for the Giants this year, but it will be hard for him to find playing time with all the talent at WR for the Giants ahead of him on the depth chart. Ignore Barden in the majority of leagues on Draft Day, but he could be worth a late-round pick in TD-only leagues if he finds enough playing time with a good training camp.
News: Giants rookie WR Ramses Barden got his first career NFL catch in Week 17 at Minnesota. It went for 16 yards and was the only time he was targeted in the game.
Analysis: Barden is a very raw young receiver whose biggest asset seems to be his height at 6-foot-6. But with the Giants getting good production out of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks this season there seems to be little change for him to go into next season with a chance to contribute. He is worth monitoring, but is not yet a player to own in Fantasy.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 16 against the Panthers: WR Ramses Barden, RB Danny Ware, DB Aaron Ross, WR Sinorice Moss and TE Scott Chandler.
Analysis: None of the players listed here have any real Fantasy appeal. Leave them inactive in all leagues.
News: The Giants have listed the following players as inactive for Monday night at Washington in Week 15: WR Ramses Barden, CB Cory Webster, RB Danny Ware, CB Aaron Ross, WR Sinorice Moss and TE Darcy Johnson.
Analysis: None of these players are relevant in Fantasy and can continue to be ignored in all formats.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 13 vs. Dallas: DB Michael Johnson, RB Danny Ware, DB D.J. Johnson, TE Travis Beckum, WR Sinorice Moss, WR Ramses Barden.
Analysis: None of the players listed here have any real Fantasy appeal. Leave them reserved in all leagues until further notice.
News: The Giants have listed their inactives for Week 12 at Denver, including WR Ramses Barden, CB D.J. Johnson, CB Kevin Dockey and WR Sinorice Moss.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using when active. Ignore them in all leagues.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 11 against Atlanta: WR Ramses Barden, DB D.J. Johnson, RB Gartrell Johnson, DB Kevin Dockery, LB Antonio Pierce and WR Sinorice Moss.
Analysis: Aside from Pierce, none of the players listed are expected to have any Fantasy appeal. Leave them on waivers in all leagues until further notice.
News: Giants WR Ramses Barden, DB Aaron Ross, RB Gartrell Johnson, LB Bryan Kehl, DL Dave Tollefson and WR Sinorice Moss have all been ruled inactive for Week 9 vs. San Diego.
Analysis: Ross has yet to play this season because of a hamstring injury and there is no telling when he might return. He is about the only inactive Fantasy player with some value when active. Most of the other players are reserves and barely factor. Keep them reserved for Week 9.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 8 at Philadelphia: WR Ramses Barden, WR Mario Manningham, DB Aaron Ross, RB Gartrell Johnson and LB Michael Boley.
Analysis: Outside of Manningham, none of the players listed here are considered viable Fantasy options. Leave them on waivers until further notice.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 7 against Arizona: WR Ramses Barden, DB Aaron Ross, RB Gartrell Johnson, LB Michael Boley, WR Sinorice Moss and DL Chris Canty.
Analysis: None of the players on this list are expected to have significant Fantasy value this season. Leave them out of active lineups in all leagues until further notice.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 6 against New Orleans: WR Ramses Barden, RB Danny Ware, DB Aaron Ross, LB Michael Boley, LB Clint Sintim and DL Chris Canty.
Analysis: Aside from Ross and Boley in IDP formats, none of the players on this list are expected to have much Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on the waiver wire in all leagues until further notice.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 5 against Oakland: DB Aaron Ross, DL Chris Canty, LB Michael Boley, LB Bryan Kehl, TE Kevin Boss, WR Ramses Barden and RB Danny Ware.
Analysis: Aside from Boss and Ross in larger IDP formats, none of the players on this list are expected to carry much Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on waivers until further notice.
News: The Giants listed the following players as inactive for Week 4 at Kansas City: DB Aaron Ross, DL Chris Canty, RB Danny Ware, WR Domenik Hixon, LB Clint Sintim and WR Ramses Barden.
Analysis: Offensively, the player worth owning in Fantasy on this list is Hixon, but he will be used mainly as a kick returner and occasionally as a slot receiver since he has been replaced with second-year player Mario Manningham. Ross and Canty are solid defensive players, but are not recommended in Fantasy IDP leagues at the moment.
News: Giants RB Madison Hedgecock, WR Ramses Barden, WR Derek Hagan and TE Darcy Johnson all dressed for a Week 3 win at Tampa Bay but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Barden has some keeper value, but all of these guys should all be ignored in seasonal play heading into Week 4 at Kansas City.
News: Notable Giants players who were active and dressed but didn't record a stat at Dallas in Week 2 include: backup QB David Carr, TE Darcy Johnson, WR Ramses Barden, RB Gartrell Johnson, TE Travis Beckum and WR Sinorice Moss.
Analysis: None of these players warrant Fantasy use at this time because they aren't expected to see the field much. Keep them all off of Fantasy rosters. The Giants play at the Bucs in Week 3.
News: The Giants' list of inactives for Week 1 against the Redskins includes DB Aaron Ross, WR Ramses Barden, DB Kevin Dockery, DL Leger Douzable and LB Clint Sintim.
Analysis: None of these players contributes enough statistically to matter in Fantasy even when active. Leave them on waivers for Week 2 at Dallas.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports Giants rookie WR Hakeem Nicks will apparently be an integral part of the Giants' offense for Week 1 against Washington. "He's playing it right now," coach Tom Coughlin said Friday when asked at what point Nicks will play a "major role" in the offense. "He's involved right now in everything we're doing. We basically have four guys that will do a lot of rotating and a lot of playing." The other three are obviously Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Derek Hagan figures to be active and playing a role in special teams, which means Sinorice Moss and Ramses Barden could be among the inactives.
Analysis: Nicks could be a sleeper for Week 1 against the Redskins in deep leagues, but don't plan on using him in standard formats. In time, he could become a solid Fantasy option, but we want to see it happen first. Keep Manningham, Hagan, Moss and Barden reserved in all formats this week.
News: The New York Post reports that the Giants want to play Mario Manningham and rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden a bit with Eli Manning and the starters during Saturday's preseason game against the Jets.
Analysis: The report goes on to add that the receivers may not get a fair chance to show what they can do because the weather forecast is calling for stormy weather. Barden is an extreme sleeper in Fantasy leagues and can be worth a late-round flier in deeper formats, but Saturday's game could go a long way in determining his role entering the season.
News:Ramses Barden may be the biggest surprise of the New York Giants training camp, and it involves much more than his height. The third-round draft pick from California Poly is showing the Giants that he has the tools to help them replace veteran receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. "Ramses has done well," said quarterback Eli Manning, who noted that Barden creates a lot of mismatches with his size. "He is catching everything, but I think he has a great feel for what is going on, that's what I am most impressed with. He kind of gets things, which is what you normally don't see from a rookie." Barden was somewhat of an unknown coming to training camp. Physically, the 245-pounder is solid, and his college statistics looked just as good with 206 career catches for a 20.4 yard average and 50 touchdowns. The question was whether he could make the jump from the Football Championship Subdivision, a level below big-time college football, to the NFL. So far, there seems to be no doubt. "I expect a lot of myself," Barden said. "When I look at the tape I find things wrong every play. There are a number of things that I could be doing differently and my goal is as the camp goes by and as the season goes by to eliminate those mistakes."
Analysis: The 6-foot-6 Barden has caught the short ball, gone deep, hauled in passes over the middle and delighted fans with a couple of spectacular catches in the first two weeks of training camp at the University at Albany. His best play came a week ago in a 1-on-1 red-zone drill, when he made a leaping one-handed catch of a fade pass in the corner of the end zone. A photo of the catch was posted on his Facebook page almost immediately. We think Barden will factor into the Giants' plans this season, but he likely will be a factor in deep touchdown-only leagues. In standard formats take him only with a late-round flier. In rookie-only drafts, consider Barden a mid-round selection.
News: Giants QB Eli Manning has been impressed with rookie WR Ramses Barden, who should be a good source of touchdowns as a red-zone threat with his 6-foot-6 frame "He's a big target," Manning said.
Analysis: We think Barden will factor into the Giants' plans this season, but he likely will be a factor in deep touchdown-only leagues. In standard formats take him only with a late-round flier. In rookie-only drafts, consider Barden a mid-round selection.
News: At the NFL Rookie Symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Giants rookie WR Ramses Barden told CBSSports.com in an exclusive interview that he hopes to earn a starting job this year. "I'm expecting big things," Barden said. "If I can contribute in any way, I'd be happy to do it." He also said playing with QB Eli Manning is "fantastic." Barden said the Giants should be solid on offense once again even without Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer in the receiving corps. "You can't ask for a better situation than coming into a championship-caliber team that's ready to win everything," Barden said. "I just want to be a part of whatever we put together."
Analysis: We think Barden will factor into the Giants' plans this season, but asking him to start ahead of Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon and Sinorice Moss is a little much, and that doesn't include fellow rookie WR Hakeem Nicks. Barden should be a good source of touchdowns as a red-zone threat with his 6-foot-6 frame. He's worth a late-round pick in touchdown-only leagues, but in standard formats take him only with a late-round flier. In rookie-only drafts, consider Barden a mid-round selection.
News: The New York Daily News reports the Giants could like rookie WR Ramses Barden's 6-foot-6, 227-pound frame, especially with small receivers in Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham, among others. Barden also has a good college career to build off of. Barden rewrote the record book at Division I-AA Cal Poly, and put up eye-popping numbers his last two years. As a junior and senior he caught 124 passes for 2,724 yards and 36 touchdowns. He had 50 touchdown catches in four seasons and broke Jerry Rice's I-AA record with a touchdown in 32 straight games. The Giants are hoping that Barden, who signed his rookie contract recently, can help replace the 6-5 Plaxico Burress and the 6-3 Amani Toomer. They even traded up in the third round of the April draft to make sure Barden wouldn't get away.
Analysis: Barden has potential to succeed with the Giants, but it will be hard for him to contribute right away. Smith, Moss and Domenik Hixon are the projected starters in the three-receiver set, and Barden also has to compete with fellow rookie Hakeem Nicks. Barden is worth drafting with a late-round flier in deep seasonal leagues, but he should be a mid-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
News:Newsday reports Giants rookie WRs Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden "looked terrific" during the recent minicamp. The report says "the thing you want to see from rookies in this setting is precise route-running and consistent catching. They were excellent at both. In time, this receiver group will be excellent."
Analysis: We like Nicks better than Barden, but both have potential to make plays this season, especially with the Giants lacking quality playmakers at WR with Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham on top of the depth chart. Nicks is worth a late-round pick in seasonal leagues, and both rookies should be drafted early in rookie-only drafts.
News: The Daily News reports Giants rookie WR Ramses Barden, a third-round pick out of Division I-AA Cal Poly, will likely begin a little further behind in the game plan because of his lack of experience. But Giants GM Jerry Reese said he expects the 6-foot-6 receiver to "contribute right away as a threat down in the red zone."
Analysis: For now, don't plan on drafting Barden in seasonal leagues, but he is worth drafting with a late-round pick in rookie-only drafts. He could be a sleeper in touchdown-only leagues if the Giants plan to use him as a red-zone threat.
News: The New York Giants replaced Plaxico Burress - again. For the second straight day, the Giants reached into the NFL draft to find a replacement for their troubled WR, taking the tallest WR in the annual college grab bag - 6-foot-6 Ramses Barden of Cal Poly - in the third round. New York used its first-round pick on Saturday to take North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks and they were so interested in Barden on Sunday that they made a deal with the rival Philadelphia Eagles to move up six slots for the 85th pick overall. Barden is a fascinating choice. The negative is that he played in the Football Championship Subdivision, a level below big-time college football. The positive is his production. He caught 206 passes for 4,203 yards and 50 touchdowns. His string of TD catches in 20 consecutive games broke a record previously held by Jerry Rice. "I think that's only the tip of the iceberg as far as my ability and the things that I can do," Barden said in a conference call. "Like I said, things are going to take work. The fade was in our offense for a number of years when I got there."
Analysis: Barden, who had 18 touchdown catches in his junior and senior years, will join Nicks in battling veterans Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham for the starting jobs held last year by Burress and Amani Toomer. For now, don't plan on drafting Barden in seasonal leagues, but he is worth drafting with a late-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
